Boston Common, Boston

The country's oldest city park, Boston Common dates back to the 1630s. Consisting of 20 hectares (50 acres), the common is part of an extensive chain of parks linked by parkways and waterways. It's named the "Emerald Necklace" because of the way it appears to hang from the "neck" of the Boston peninsula. Pick up a map at the on-site information kiosk to locate notable burial sites within the park, including the graves of painter Gilbert Stuart, composer William Billings, and poet Samuel Sprague. To see the first subway station in America, visit the southern corner of the park. Using our international travel planner, Boston attractions like Boston Common can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.

We went to this park because we wanted to walk the Freedom Trail, we were a while in Park, walked it a little and the truth is that it is a good place to start your day if you're visiting Boston. Around this park, there are many places to eat or drink, is very well located and although it is not far from other parks, I think it is an interesting stop that personally wouldn't have me lost.

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By joachimm25

Boston Commons was very pleasant and enjoyable. I was there for the Christmas tree lighting and did 2 strolls along the park. The statue of the ducklings was nice to see as well as the several cute sq...
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By SteveD27

A nice clean park, there was a very interesting photo exhibition going on when we visited, with photos of holocaust survivors. It was particularly nice in the park at that time of year (the fall) with...
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Park looks great. Definitely needs a few more big fast growing tree's for shade. This summer was extremely hot and the shade from the trees help people tremendously this year. New water bubblers installed outside information center, which is getting plenty of use. Two dead tree's in front of information center & will be replace under warranty later this year. *Reminder, No Smoking in city parks. $250 fine even though you may see many people are smoking in city Parks more and more now. Friends of the Public Gardens have a Bathroom trailer right by the parking garage on Boston Commons. Clean and spotless with multiple units with a sink. A homeowners dream to have their bathroom look like this. It was immaculate in there. Five star rating from me. They also have a man in the booth next to bathrooms to monitor them.

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By BradJill Travels

Boston Common is a 50 acre city park that makes for a nice place to visit for those seeking open and leisure places in Boston. In addition to a pavilion, fountain, monuments, pond, kiosk and visitor centre, there is plenty of green space to be enjoyed here.
Opening in 1634, this is the oldest public park in America. It is also the starting point for Boston's Freedom Trail, which takes visitors to many of the city's most important historical attractions and helps visitors build up a better understanding of early American history, particularly the events which led up to the American Revolution.
Tip: We visited the Boston Common during mid-Autumn and greatly enjoyed seeing some of the trees beginning to change colours. A few bright yellows and reds made for lovely viewing. I imagine the park will be even better in early November once the rest of the leaves begin to turn.
Tip: Located just west of the Boston Common, past Charles Street, is the Boston Public Garden, which is equally enjoyable to visit. This is another well landscaped area with more monuments, lovely trees and plenty of park benches for visitors to find and have a rest.
For those who visit Boston and enjoy seeing city parks, it is well worth planning a bit of time here at Boston Common. For convenient stops, it makes sense to spend time here at the beginning or the end of your Freedom Trail tour depending on which direction you are going on the trail.

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By Sweta Swastika Sahoo

I love this place and make sure to visit it every time I am in Boston. It's a great place to have picnics and spend weekends with families and friends and just laying on the grass and playing some fun games. Food trucks and food stalls are available in plenty here, so one doesn't need to worry about carrying food. There are plenty of food joints across the street as well. The greenery within the park is amazing and it feels so calm and quiet here, even though it's located right in the middle of the city and along a busy road.

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By Rowan Hawkins

I was biking in Boston and this park was a nice way to move and not worry about cars. There is also lots of shade trees and a few water fountains scattered around. There's also a large Sunny Hill so if you want to sprawl out and catch some rays you can do that as well. The paths are well-marked Cobble with stone curbs so water drains off fairly quickly. Cobble is the first environmentally friendly paving material.

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By Piyush Gandhi

If you are in Boston then you have to do the freedom tail. Experience the city that started it all. This is a must visit for all history buffs and a great way to reconnect with the freedom struggle.
Plan on doing a walking tour. You can finish the West side of the river in probably 3 to 4 hrs depending on your speed. Start from the visitor center and follow the red brick line on the road that will take you through the trails.
Make sure you hydrate yourself regularly. The walk is really beautiful takes you through the city and transports you to the past.
Do the trail either in the morning or after 3:00pm to avoid great.